01/14/12 - Work Ethic

George Washington wasn't the only person that had principals to live by, there was also another man and comrade of of his named Benjamin Franklin.  Benjamin Franklin also had list of things he tries to live by.  They were his "13 Virtues" and one of these virtues is what I want to comment on today.

It's kind of amazing, but recently, I have never been busier and the topic of today's discussion is Franklin's comment on "Industry" or work ethic.

Lose no time.  Be always employed in something useful.  Cut off all unnecessary actions.

Easier said than done now-a-days.  Today, with distractions like Facebook, iTunes and just access to the internet in general distracting people at work, it's nearly impossible to stay focused and not take a mental break from daily work duties.  As a writer and someone who spends a lot of time at the computer, who works from a home office and has no supervision from boss who is constantly looking over my shoulder to make sure that work gets done . . . let me tell you.  It's not easy.  I mean, who wouldn't want to jump on over to Facebook and play Farmville for a few hours?

That's one of the hardest challenges for any person in my position.  So day I make this my pledge.

When I am working, I will "lose no time, always be employed at something useful and not get distracted by any unnecessary actions."